How to Recognize and Respond
to a Natural Gas Leak

Use your senses of sight, hearing and smell, along with any of the following signs, to alert yourself to the presence of a gas leak:

• A damaged Connection to a gas appliance.
• Dirt or water being blow in the air.• Dead or dying vegatation (in an otherwise moist area)over or near pipeline areas• A fire or explosion near a pipeline• Exposed pipeline after an earthquake,fire,flood,or other disaster

• An Unusual sound such as a hissing whistling ro rolling sound near a gas line or appliance

• The distinctive odor' of natural gas

Gas Leaks and Safety Tips

Knowing what a natural gas emergency is and how to react will help keep you and your family safe. Examples are natural gas leaks and damaged underground pipelines or service lines. Leaks can occur on indoor lines or when outdoor lines are damaged.

Mr. Drain ® Plumbing rules of gas safety

If you think you have a natural gas emergency, first go to a safe location. Then dial 911 then call a local Mr. Drain ® Plumbing at 510-257-1245. It is important that you call -- DO NOT E-MAIL -- and report the emergency. Feel free to print this page and leave it with your emergency numbers in case you have a gas emergency.
Knowing how to recognize, react to and report natural gas emergencies can eliminate or minimize their consequences.

Turn off the main gas valve located by the gas meter

Recognize

Signs of a natural gas leak include:

• A "rotten egg" odor
• A blowing or hissing sound
• Dead or discolored vegetation in an otherwise green area
• Flames, if a leak has ignited
• Dirt or dust blowing from a hole in the ground
• Bubbling in wet or flooded areas

React

If you suspect a natural gas leak, follow these steps:

• Leave the area immediately and call us at 1-866-996-7372 510-257-1245, then follow our instructions
• Do not use any electrical device, such as light switches, telephones or appliances such as garage door openers.
They could spark and ignite the gas.
• Do not use an open flame, matches or lighters
• Do not use an open flame, matches or lighters
• Do not try to locate the source of the gas leak
• Do not try to shut off any gas valves or appliances
• Do not start vehicles
• Do not re-enter the building or return to the area until a Consumers Energy employee says it's safe to do so
• If the natural gas ignites, let it burn. Do not put out the flame; burning gas will not explode.
• If you are digging and think you may have damaged a natural gas pipeline, leave the area immediately. If you are
using motorized equipment and can turn off the motor safely, do so to prevent the ignition of any leaking gas.
Then abandon the equipment and leave the area. Never restart equipment until the surrounding environment has
been checked and declared safe.

Report

It is important that you call about natural gas emergencies. Do not e-mail us.

• If you think you have a natural gas emergency, go to a safe location. Then dial 9-1-1
• If you see unusual activity near a natural gas pipeline or facility, immediately 9-1-1
Calls can be made 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The gas company will respond promptly and at no charge.

Help prevent a gas emergency in your home with these safety tips:

• Natural gas lines should not be installed from the meter to any other buildings in which people live
• No building or other structure may be built over any natural gas pipeline
• Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions in operating and caring for natural gas appliances, and use each
appliance for its intended purpose
• Never use gasoline or other flammable liquids indoors or in the same room or area as a gas appliance or other
ignition source
• Ensure fuel-burning appliances are installed, used and maintained properly and safely. Hire a qualified
technician to inspect heating and venting equipment annually, and use a carbon monoxide alarm that meets
current standards.
• Use a broom to keep gas meters, pipes and other service equipment clear in winter. Gas-appliance chimneys
and vents must be cleared after snow and ice storms to ensure proper venting and prevent carbon monoxide
accumulation.
• Ensure gas space heaters are installed by a qualified professional and used and maintained properly
• Don’t use fuel lines for storage. Heavy coats or other items hanging from a fuel line (often located near the
ceiling in basements) can stress the joints in the pipe and cause gas leaks. Don't allow children to swing on the
pipes, either
• Set your water heater temperature to 120 degrees or lower. Check the water temperature before placing a child
in the bathtub, and never leave a child alone or with other young children in the bathtub.
• Replace flexible connectors. Cracks can form and cause serious gas leaks in these flexible pipes that attach
appliances to fuel lines. Limit the number of times you move natural gas appliances, and replace flexible
connectors at least every 10 years with an American National Standards Institute (ANSI) approved model.

How to Shut Off Your Gas in Case of an Emergency

For any suspected gas emergency, or questions regarding a gas odor, please dial 9-1-1 and call us at 1-866-996-7372 510-257-1245

Step 1

It is important to know exactly where your gas meter is located (See Diagram A) so that in the event of an emergency, you know how to shut it off.

• DO NOT turn off your meter unless you smell gas, hear the sound of gas escaping or see other mentioned above -and ONLY if it is sa signs of a leak fe to do so.

Diagram A

Step 2

As you face the meter, you will see a pipe running from the ground to the meter. There is a shut-off valve running parallel with the pipe usually located about 6 to 8 inches above the ground.
Take a 12 inch or larger adjustable wrench, and turn the valve 1/4 turn in either direction, until the valve is crosswise to the pipe. (See Diagram B)
Keep a 12 inch or larger adjustable wrench with your emergency supplies, or next to your valve. Do not store the wrench on the meter or other gas piping or related equipment.

Diagram B

CAUTION: If you turn off your gas at the meter, leave it off. Don't turn it back on yourself. Contact Your Gas Company to turn the meter back on and relight the pilots.

Gas Shut-off Valves

For safety, a shut-off valve should be installed at every gas appliance. If a leak occurs at a specific appliance, the valve will permit you to turn off the gas at the appliance rather than shutting off all gas service at the meter. Some valves require a wrench to turn them.

Diagram C

Do Not Use the Gas Meter for Electric Bonding or Grounding

Do not use the gas meter, gas piping, gas risers or related equipment for electrical bonding or grounding because it is not safe and not permitted. Use caution when touching gas meters, risers, valves and attached components. Faulty household appliances or faulty household electrical wiring could inadvertently introduce electricity to gas facilities that can cause an electric shock.

Do you have a broken Gas Line?-Is your Gas Line leaking?-Do you want to replace your Gas Line?-D you want a Gas Leak repair service?-Do you have a Slab Leak? -Is the Gas Line Leaking from ceiling?-Do you have Gas Leak in Slab -Do you have Gas leak in walls-Do you have Gas Leak in foundation-Do you have Gas Leak in Floor-Do you need a slab leak repair or fix -Do you have a Gas leak in crawlspace or basement?

If you have high Gas bill or you smell gas leak in your home then you might have Gas like leaking some where in your home. Gas leaks either minor or major can result in a big damage to your property. Some time insurance companies don't cover the damages arising due to Gas leaks. It can be very dangerous for you and your family.We are experts inany kind of Gas leak detection and fix for anyGas leak hidden or exposed. We are available 24 Hours a Day 7 Days a Week to locate and fix any Gas line leaking

The Home Flash Diagram Below is courtesy of Mr. Drain ® Plumbing that is designed to give you detailed informational hands on about the plumbing and drainage system in your house. Take a moment and browse the links in this image by bringing mouse on the text. Some text will have additional informational links

That sulfuric, rotten egg odor that signals a natural gas leak isn't an ordinary component of the carbon-hydrogen compound. Because of the potential danger associated with natural gas leaks, suppliers add the noxious scent to natural gas as an olfactory warning that the harmful vapors are loose in the air.More than 65 million homes in the United States use it to power their gas stoves, water heatersand other essential appliances. Gas lines are an important part of any residential home. However, there can also be dangers associated with those gas lines. It is important that when any gas work is performed, it must be done by a qualified licensed plumber call Mr Drain® Plumbing. The gas piping is most often used for furnaces, water heaters, cook tops, ovens, and fireplaces. And when you discover a gas leak Mr. Drain®Plumbing can help to locate and solve the problem.A gas leak in your mind may just be a little escape but when left unaddressed for a period of time problems will arise. There are two things that all leaks have in common. They will cause damage of some sort and they will worsen over time. One of the biggest plumbing problems that any home or business owner can face would have to be Gas leaks. Gas leaks can start just about anywhere any time. It could be a very simple leak like a pinhole leak, but some leaks are worse. They are silent, they are very hard to detect, and by the time you find them, Gas leak minor or major is very dangerous and is very harmful for you and your family and can put your dream house on fire.

The silent Gas Leaks usually go unnoticed for quite a while. The first sign is usually a jump in your Gas bill. If you have noticed a spike in your Gas bill, and there have not been any massive rate increases. You could have a leak that you don't know about yet, and while you sit there and ponder why your Gas bill has suddenly gotten so high. Every minute that you wait, is a minute that the Gas from the leak could be harmful for your family and dream house. In that situation Mr. Drain ® Plumbing is the only plumbing company you deserve. Equipped with the latest technology our experts can locate any minor or major leak from a pinhole to an exposed broken pipe.

Natural Gas Leak and its effect

Natural gas has become a widespread energy source because it's highly combustible, which means that it can produce large amounts of heat when you burn small amounts. Consequently, a natural gas leak can increase the risk of fire and explosion since it spreads quickly and combusts easily. An electrical spark or fire source can set this off if you have a leak in your house.If you suspect a natural gas leak inside, immediately stop what you're doing (do not flip any electrical switches, unplug anything or use a telephone) and go outside. Inhaling high concentrations can also lead to asphyxia (when the body is deprived of oxygen) and possibly death. Early symptoms of asphyxia include fatigue and chest pain.Although generally safe to use in the home, when natural gas does not burn up completely because of faulty installation or lack of ventilation, it emits a byproduct of carbon monoxide. The more carbon monoxide present in the air, the less oxygen you can inhale, potentially killing you. In fact, 500 people in the United States die of unintentional carbon monoxide poisoning every year.

Gas Leaks in Walls

Much of home plumbing is hidden behind walls. Years ago, gas pipes were left exposed so that if it needed repairing, access would not be a problem. But since the mid- to late '60s, gas and other pipe were moved inside the walls for aesthetic reasons. So when gas pipes leak, it is necessary to open the wall to fix the problem. It is not that difficult, however, and, depending on the severity of the problem, it can be done in half a day. Many Gas leaks can go undetected, with little damage to the surrounding area, for a long time. Smell for rotten egg smell or a blowing or hissing sound. Gas leak is not some thing you can compromise with. It have to be fixed right away and if you see that the leak is worse then leave the area and call 9-1-1 as soon as possible don't power up any tool or appliance and don't turn on or off any light. If you smell gas leak from walls call a local Mr. Drain ® Plumber as soon as possible. If the Gas leak in walls is not addressed in timely manner it can result in bigger damage and can put your house and belongings on fire. Save time and call professionals at Mr. Drain ® Plumbing o. You will know the price before we start. Our experts will detect any minor or major Gas leaks in the walls with out cutting drywall and sheetrock by using infrared scanners and micro cameras because latest technology is what makes us leader in detecting any leaks. Check our leak detection page for more details. Learn More…

When Gas leaks in or under your foundation, it can be referred to as a “slab gas leak.” It doesn’t mean your foundation is leaking gas, it just means your gas line is leaking under or in the foundation some where. You may can hit with surprising high Gas bill that’s a sign that you have a slab leak some where in your home or property. Like other leak situations slab leak is also a serious issue. It can effect the foundation of a house and if the leak is left unattended it can result into some serious damages.

If an earthquake or an errant shovel bursts your out side gas pipes, you know it instantly. But smaller leaks can go undetected for months-- until you realize that your Gas bill has skyrocketed, or you've discovered rotten egg smell some where in your yard or close to meter. If the leak is coming from the portion of the gas service line between the meter and the street then the gas service company is responsible to fix the leak and if the leak is coming from the portion of the gas line that is between the meter and the house then a homeowner is responsible to fix that leak. Gas leaks either inside or outside your house should be never left unattended and unrepaired. A very minor leak can result in a massive damage to your house. A broken or leaking gas line can also be the reason of high gas bill. Brokenor leaking gas lines can cause a great deal of trouble. Just a small leak can decrease Gas pressure and volume. If the Gas volume is high enough, a minor leak can even damage attached properties. Therefore, it's important to fix gas line problems like breaks from happening and addressing them to a local Mr. Drain ® Plumberif they occur. Like other leaks the gas leaks can also result in structural damage, fire, death and other damages if left unattended. Don't delay and contact a local Mr. Drain ® Plumber today for an infrared gas leak detection in your house. Learn More…

Don't Delay Report Any Gas Pipe Damage to Mr. Drain ? Plumbing Today

In case of Emergency Evacuate the area and from a safe location, call 911 to report any pipeline damage. No damage is too small tos report. Save your self and your neighbor.

How Gas Lines Leak

There are many reasons of gas leaks for instance

• Dryness of the pipe thread paste
• Old age of pipe
• Hitting gas lines with a gidding tools
• TheGas meter has a continual slow spin.
• You observe rotten egg smell in your yard or close to meter
• You have higher Gas bills than normal during the summer
• Settling of house by the passage of time or earth shifting
• Punctured gas line by putting nails or drilling holes in wall
• Leak by the barbeque area
• Leak by the furnace area
• Poor workmanship or wrong material of gas pipe used in slab during construction

Gas Leaks in Main Service Line

Gas Leaks aren't always obvious and can often lead to higher Gas bills. Most leaks are easy to fix, while others can become a nightmare and costly to repair if they are not repaired in timely manner.
The utility service company is responsible for repairing leaks on its gas meters and gas mains. If there is a leak on the customer's service line then it is the home or property owners responsibility to fix the leak. This includes all gaspipe between the gas meter and the building, the barbeque, out door gas heaters,out door furnaces system or indoor plumbing. The old metal pipes those are not proper moisture proof coated is the most common leak culprit, so always have an inspection done on any new gas installation. The portion of the gas main from the street to the meter is the responsibility of the city and the portion of the gas main from the meter to the property is the responsibility of property owner. If you suspect that your gas pipes are leaking because your gas bill has gone through the roof, or if there's a rotten egg smell some where in our out, close to gas appliances, bubbles are coming out from wet area or u hear leak noise then these are the symptoms of gas leak.
It isn't incredibly easy to repair a broken underground Gas line, but it is doable. Just call Mr. Drain ® Plumbing today to locate the gas leak and save you money in heavy gas bill. Check our leak detection page for more details. Learn More…

Like high blood pressure, excessive Gas pressure in your plumbing can be hard to detect. But it is very likely to cause damage. Following are some of the damages that a high Gas pressure can cause to your property

Leaks from rusted joints.Noisy whistling pipes

Rattling pipes

Possible slab leaks

Leaks from meter

Possible bust in gas supplylines Leaks from barbeque lines

Poor performance when appliances kick in

Leaks from gas valves Greatly increased maintenance costs

Leaks from underground gas lines

Pinholes in gas pipes Banging pipes

Leaks from pressure regulator

Gas Leak Problems

Even a small gas leak can become a major problem, so knowing what you're covered for and how to prevent gasleak damage are equally important.Unfortunately, slow leaks at appliances are often times impossible to see until it is too late. If it goes undetected, a slow leak can lead to fire in your and neighbor homes, and can be a precursor to a catastrophic leak that can release several pounds of gas per minute, causing extensive personal and structural damage. A professional gas leak detection service offered by Mr. Drain ® Plumbing may help prevent gas leak problems. Our team of experienced technicians use state-of-the-art equipment to locate concealed gas leaks. Gas leaks can cause serious damage to your home and furnishings in a short time, so don't wait to have your home get hit with heavy damages call us today

Sings of Leaks

There are not always signs that you have a gas leak present in your home until you smell it. Some beginning warning signs of a leak may show themselves. They can show as gradual increases in your gas bill, rotten egg smell, musty odor, or whistle noise in walls, basement or crawlspace. While these signs may be present, by the time most people notice them they have a more serious problem on their hands. Don't let this happen to you!

Gas leaks will hide in the hardest to get to locations:

• Behind walls
• Under concrete slabs and asphalt
• Basements
• Betweenthe street and the meter
• In the celling
• In the crawlspace
• In the driveways
• Between the property and Gas meter
• By the Gas heater
• Bygas appliances
• Dead or dying vegetation

Damages Caused by Gas Line Leaks

Our drug-free, well trained Mr. Drain ® Plumber will arrive at your home in a timely manner and locate and repair the source of your plumbing problems quickly. Following are some of the damages caused by un treated gas leaks:

• Damage to the walls and insulation by fire and burns
• Damage to the structure by fire and burns
• Damage to hardwood floor and slab during fix
• Damage to drywall paint, texture and stucco by fire and burns
• Damage to electrical wires and electronics by fire and burns
• Out of service for days
• Damage to other household property by fire and burns
• Some damage insurance companies don't cover
• Damage to landscape
• Damage to driveways and asphalt
• High Gas bill
• Can result in more liability by burning neighbors homes

Mr. Drain ® Plumbing experts use non-invasive leak detection equipment to accurately locate leaks to save you money and avoid unnecessary property damage. We are the leader in the accurate, non-destructive detection of all gas leaks including hidden gas, sewer and water leaks. Our technicians can determine the location of a leak by electronically locating the damaged source by infrared leak detection technology. Even the smallest leak or pipe defect can be located accurately. This is a distinct contrast to conventional trial-and-error methods of leak detection. The end result means leaks can be found and repaired with minimal disruption to property.
If the gas is finding a way to get out, we will certainly find a way to get in and identify the problem. With our state-of-the-art equipment and methodology, we find all kinds of concealed leaks, no matter where in your plumbing system and Gas pies they may be hiding.

SAY GOODBYE TO :

PINHOLE LEAKS, LOW GAS FLOW, DISCOLORED GAS, LEAD AND COPPER CONTAMINATION
WITH THE MODERN SOLUTION FOR PREVENTION OF LEAKING AND FAILING PIPING SYSTEMS

Gas Leak Detection

Knowing how to detect a gas leak can be very important. Gas leaks in a home are potentially deadly and need to resolved immediately. Gas leaks can occur inside from an appliance that uses gas or they can happen outside if a gas line is damaged while digging.
Remember that gas does not have a color or a smell of its own. The smell of rotten eggs is something that has been added to it to help let you know when there is a leak. Carbon Monoxide detectors and natural gas detectors can be used to detect a gas leak as well. An alarm will sound to let you know when a certain amount of gas is in the air. Children should be evacuated from a house immediately if a gas leak is suspected. Most people suggest calling 911 if you have a gas leak while others think that some small leaks are easy to find and fix yourself. Do not use any electronics while in the house or turn any switches on or off. A spark could ignite the gas fumes in the air.
Mr. Drain ® Plumbing leak detection process involves a very enhanced scan on each and every part of your property where gas pipes are running or gas appliances are located. All the appliances and their connections will be tested. All damaged connections will be replaced. Using the latest gas leak detectors and testers our plumbers will detect the pinpoint of the leaks. A hissing sound may be noticeable where the leak is coming from. If the leak can not be located by simply looking and listening then we will locate the leak with chemical tests. Check our leak detection page for more details. Learn More…

Infrared Gas Leak Detection

As the name indicates infrared cameras are used to locate gas leaks and leaking points in walls, roof and floors. Mr. Drain ® Plumbing introduces Infrared Thermography as another piece of cutting edge technology that allows hidden gas leaks to be detected. With Infrared Thermography, Mr. Drain ® can identify problem areas that can't be seen by the naked eye-eliminating destructive probing methods. The infrared inspection can detect any hidden gas leaks and their origin.That benefits to consumers because they are able to see things the naked eye cannot, which eliminates the old methods of finding these types of leaks-such as cutting holes in walls, ceilings, and through floors. This of course, will saveyou a lot of repair expense. In the past, these hidden leaks often went undetected until they were very obvious, and therefore made repairs more costly"

The diagnoses results are captured and the customer is provided with professional reports, providing tangible proof of the findings that can become important for repair verification and insurance purposes.

No Leaks Without IR Camera Gas Leak Spots with IR Camera

Mr. Drain ® Plumbing uses the following systems to detect Gas line leaks.

After detecting the leaks a Mr. Drain ® Plumbing expert will first cover the entire house with protectors so girt and debris wont damage them. Then very professionally remove carpet and cut the slab or hard wood floor, walls, ceiling and fix or replace the defected gas lines and may patch or replace the drywall. Al work is warrantied to the time you will own the house in some cases. We understand the urgency of the Gas service for our customers so we try our best to keep the service lines up at al time by giving our customers bypass connections. We are available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

Contact Your Local Mr Drain ® Plumbing today to learn moreabout Gas Leak Problems and the Kind of Leak Detection systemthat best suits to the kind of Leak at your Home.

Mr. Drain ® Plumbing are experts Gas Leak Detection. No matter if you have Gas Lines leaking in Wall-Gas Line Leaking in Floor-Gas Lines Leaking In Ceiling-Gas Lines Leaking in Slab-Gas Line Leaking in Driveways. Mr. Drain ® Plumbing is expert in Gas Leak Repair-Slab Leak Repair-Gas Leak Fix-Infrared Leak Detection. Beside Leak detections we are expert in repairing any kind of Gas Leaks
. Mr. Drain ® is the only Gas Leak Repair and Gas Leak Fix company you deserve. We are the
Gas Leak Find-Gas Leak Repair and Gas Leak Fix Contractors available 24 hours a day 7 days a week